Chapter 4
Yumi sat dazed, staring into the void, as her father Timyas returned from gathering medicinal herbs. She was gazing at the setting sun, swaying gently on the hammock behind their house.
Ever since she came back from getting lost in the Forbidden Forest, her father often found her like this—quiet, distant, as if lost in thought.
According to Yumi, she had gotten lost on her way back after delivering food to Serendipity Haven, which accidentally led her into the Forbidden Forest. When she returned that day, she had a few scrapes on her feet and legs, saying she had run from a massive wild bear. Beyond that, she claimed to remember nothing—something that raised her father’s brow. Since then, she hadn’t spoken to anyone about what happened, nor had she shared any further details.
“Yumi”
He called out to her. She didn’t seem to hear. Timyas walked over slowly and gently tapped her shoulder.
“Yumi?”
Startled, she turned and broke into a wide smile upon seeing him.
“Pa!”
She hugged him tightly.
“Have you been here long? How was the herb gathering?”
Timyas sat beside her on the hammock.
“It went well. We gathered plenty. Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to LumenHall to deliver the herbs we collected. I might stay at Kalayapaan with my fellow sentinels for three days or more for some errands.”
Kalayapaan City is a vibrant and harmonious metropolis known for its multicultural diversity and peaceful coexistence among tribes and communities. It’s a hub for spiritual gatherings, healing ceremonies, and cultural celebrations, where people from all walks of life share wisdom, traditions, and experiences. Its name, Kalayapaan, reflects the spirit of peace and unity that fills its streets, making it a sacred place for those seeking harmony and connection.
The city is quite far from the Sanctuary of Radiant Dawn, so not everyone here can afford the trip. Timyas himself only goes when absolutely necessary or when on an important mission.
As for his daughter, she rarely visits Kalayapaan. Unlike other young women who dream of going there for its many attractions and modern lifestyle, Yumi had never shown much interest.
“Would you like to come with me? We’ve arranged transport for my companions from here to the city. I could ask Aurelius to include you.”
Her eyes sparkled.
“Really?”
Timyas smiled, realizing that she wanted to go, just like other girls from the sanctuary of Radiant Dawn. Well, there were indeed many beautiful things to see there.
“Yes. So come on, let’s start cooking so we can prepare what we’ll bring for the trip.”
Excited, Yumi jumped off the hammock and grabbed the items she had placed on the nearby table.
“Let’s go, Pa. You’re so slow!” she teased, shaking her head.
Chuckling, Timyas followed her inside.
“Sir Timyas? May Yumi and I explore the city for a while? We’ll be with a group, and I promise we’ll be careful. I just wanted her to come with me to buy a gift for my mother,” said her friend Liwayway, eyes pleading softly.
Yumi glanced at her father, who was now scratching his head, clearly unsure.
“Did you ask your father for permission?” he asked.
Like Yumi, Liwayway’s father was also a sentinel and currently with them in the city.
“Yes, sir,” Liwayway replied quickly and respectfully.
Timyas nodded slowly.
“All right then, take care. I’ll see you later at the Grandioso Hotel.”
He handed them a card they could use to enter the hotel.
“Be safe,” he added, waving goodbye as he walked off with the other sentinels.
A few moments later—
“So? Shall we go?” Liwayway asked.
Yumi nodded in agreement.
They visited several small shops in search of a gift for Liwayway’s mother’s upcoming birthday. Clothes, hats, wallets, shoes, sandals, handkerchiefs—none of them caught her interest. Yumi estimated they’d been walking around for over an hour, and still hadn’t found anything. Some of their companions had already split off, agreeing to meet later at the plaza so they could return to the hotel together.
Then they noticed a narrow alley bustling with people. Curious, Yumi tugged on her friend’s elbow and led her toward it.
“Let’s check it out. Looks like something’s going on,” she said, pointing toward the alley.
Liwayway nodded and followed.
As they got closer, they realized the alley was filled with jewelry vendors—everything from the cheapest trinkets to the most expensive pieces. Necklaces, watches, bracelets, earrings, hairpins, anklets—there was something for everyone. But what fascinated Yumi most were the enchanted items: magical jewelry said to bring health, wealth, love, or protection.
She knew such items were sold in other places, but this was the first time she’d seen so many varieties in one spot.
“Why don’t you just get a simple necklace or bracelet for your mom? You don’t need to buy something expensive—just something that fits your budget,” Yumi suggested.
Liwayway nodded thoughtfully.
“You’re right. Let’s look around.”
They happily browsed the different stalls, admiring the various pieces. Yumi liked many of them, but didn’t buy anything—she had other priorities.
“Aren’t you getting anything, Yumi?” Liwayway asked.
Yumi shook her head.
“Nothing really stood out. What about you? Did you get everything you needed? That’s a lot of stuff—are they all for your mom?”
Liwayway laughed and shook her head.
“No, some are for me and my sister, Dalhya.”
“Ahh. So, shall we keep exploring?”
“Of course! We rarely get to come here. Let’s make the most of it.”
Liwayway pulled her out of the alley, and they continued wandering. Kalayapaan truly had so much to offer. People wore beautiful clothes, and women freely dressed in short, stylish outfits—unlike in the Sanctuary of the Radiant Dawn, where most women wore long skirts or dresses that never rose above the knee. The longer, the better. The celestial healers wore vibrant garments that resembled fairy robes, often adorned with intricate hair accessories.
Here in the city, it felt like you could almost see people’s souls through their clothes. Yumi wasn’t against that kind of fashion—if it made you feel beautiful and comfortable, then go for it. In fact, she found it lovely. But she couldn’t imagine wearing something like that herself. Her father would probably lash her with his stare alone.
The city was filled with people from different tribes, evident in their clothing and mannerisms. It was busy, noisy, yet peaceful. Laughter echoed from every corner.
After a while, they decided to head to the plaza where they had agreed to meet the others before returning to the hotel.